Location: Humboldt County, CA | Metro: Humboldt County, CA
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,280 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,350 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,770 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,960 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,434 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,846 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,154 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,362 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,350 | $279,671 | 0.48% | F |
| 2BR | $1,770 | $347,819 | 0.51% | F |
| 3BR | $2,450 | $451,078 | 0.54% | F |
| 4BR | $2,960 | $536,790 | 0.55% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 95503, located in Eureka, CA, represents a moderate renter-heavy area with significant voucher demand. With a population of 25,054, approximately 30.5% are renters, indicating a substantial portion of the community relies on rental housing. The median household income stands at $71,855, which is crucial when considering the affordability of housing.
The market rent in this area is $1,613 per month, representing about 22.4% of the median household income. This percentage is calculated by dividing the monthly rent by the annual median income ($1,613 / $71,855 * 12 months), showing that a typical rent consumes a considerable but manageable share of the average resident's income.
Comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,700 for the fiscal year 2026 in the metro area, it's evident that the current rent in 95503 is slightly below the FMR. This suggests that landlords in this ZIP might find it advantageous to keep their rents close to the current market rate to attract tenants without overpricing their units relative to the government's assessment of fair market value.
A landlord in 95503 can expect a tenant pool that includes individuals and families who rely heavily on rental assistance programs such as Section 8 vouchers. Given the significant proportion of renters and the relatively high demand for housing subsidies, it is likely that many potential tenants will be seeking properties that accept vouchers. These tenants will typically have their rent contributions capped at 30% of their adjusted income, making them viable candidates for apartments priced around the market rent of $1,613.
In summary, 95503 is an area with a notable number of renters, where the use of Section 8 vouchers is prevalent. Landlords should prepare to accommodate tenants who need rental assistance, understanding that these tenants will be paying a portion of their income towards rent, with the remainder subsidized by the government. This makes the ZIP a suitable location for those interested in managing properties that cater to a mix of market-rate and voucher-assisted tenants.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.